For more information contact Cottonwood Parks and Recreation Department at 928-639-3200 or email Ryan Bigelow.

About the Event

The Brian Mickelsen Memorial Run/Walk has evolved from humble beginnings as the Verde/Mingus Blowout 10K to include four separate races: 2-Mile, 10K, half marathon and a new full marathon. In 1992 the City of Cottonwood held the first Verde/Mingus Blowout 10K/2 Mile. The original 10K course started at Riverfront Park, ran through Old Town Cottonwood, took Bent River Road and found its way back to the start line. Today this route compares more to the Marathon course than it does the current 10K route but you can see how the event in 1992 laid the foundation for the Brian Mickelsen Memorial Run/Walk.

With Brian Mickelsen's tragic death in 2007, the City of Cottonwood decided the best way to honor their beloved city manager was to extend the Verde/Mingus Blowout to include a half marathon and to put Brian's name on the event. The inaugural event was a great success with over 400 runners and a tremendous tribute to Brian and all that he did for Cottonwood in his 23 years of service to the City.

Brian's wife Lin has been an instrumental part in putting the race together and making it such a success. Lin has seen all 3 years of the race from start to finish and making sure the event lives up to her husband's standards. The 2014 Brian Mickelsen Memorial was the most successful to date with over 630 registered, including over 60 for the marathon. The City of Cottonwood is excited and proud to present the first marathon in Cottonwood, as we hope Brian would be too. Hope to see you there.

The City of Cottonwood is excited and proud to present the first marathon in Cottonwood, as we hope Brian would be too. Hope to see you there.